Britain’s Got Talent Week 5
May 11, 2009
There are very few times in my life when I agree with Simon Cowell.
But when he called ‘Mr Methane’ a ‘disgusting little creature’, I wholeheartedly concurred.
And yet, I found it almost impossible to buzz the man who declared he was bringing the ‘fart into art.’
The harder he let rip, the harder I laughed.
And repulsive though he is, what he does is indisputably a talent, of sorts.
I mean, I can’t do that - even after a night on the chicken vindaloos in Delhi. Although I suspect Amanda could, she’s certainly not afraid to practice in the judges’ room - to Mr Cowell’s revulsion.
Methane was also the act who left the single most indelible mark after an audition in three years of the show. He literally stank the theatre out for hours afterwards, making us detest him even more.
As for the real talent, I absolutely loved Greg, the guy with the high-pitched woman’s voice who sang Nessun Dorma.
If this show is, at its heart, about variety, then they don’t come more varied than him. It was one of the most extraordinary, bizarre things I’ve witnessed - a fully grown man crooning like Katherine Jenkins.
But right at at the end of the show came another young singer who I think has a genuinely good chance of winning this year.
Shaun, the ‘good-looking Mick Hucknall’ as Simon called him, performed a dazzlingly good rendition of Ain’t No Sunshine. But more than that, he’s got the looks, youth, and ‘cool’ factor that will get the ladies hitting their phones to vote.
And as we saw with George Sampson last year, that can be a very powerful weapon.
Susan Boyle is still the one to beat, no question of that.
But she’s had such astonishing attention all over the world that it could possibly play against her, with people thinking she’s got it in the bag so why bother spending the money to vote….
Either way, the live shows are going to be sensational this year. And I can’t wait!
If you want more from BGT read the exclusive blog from the show’s hosts Ant & Dec by clicking here.
May 11, 2009 at 9:46 am
Mr. Methane says
Piers,
Sorry about that they don’t usually smell, all I can say is that everyone has a bad night now and again and being in such a rush to get down to the show I had no time to “clear my throat” so to speak. Your a good man, thanks for not buzzing me and allowing ITV to get the performance in the can. I honestly don’t think it would have worked without the smell, you would have suspected that I was the Paul Daniels of the Derriere District as it is your a believer.
Once again apologies to Yourself, Simon and Amanda. Maybe I can come and do the BGT Christmas Party as a way of apology.
Yours flatulently,
Mr. Methane!
May 11, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Ammie says
There were 2 adorable young men this week. I read up on “counter tenor” and discovered that Greg Pritchard is not unique. Counter tenor has been around for a long time and is coming back. There are quite a few artists who are counter tenor. When I compared Greg’s voice to other well known women who have sung Nessun Dorma (and their version is on the internet), he’s not bad at all. He’s actually quite good.
Shaun is another cute, flirty singer with a decent voice. Amanda was right to give him feedback. However, this was the second time that Simon had a hissy because another judge offered some advice to a contestant. Is it a matter of control? Or is Simon upset because some of the contestants are getting advice while others are not? If Shaun wins, however, it will just go to show that, in the end, it’s all about looks, youth and sexual attraction.
May 11, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Tracey says
Well, yes Piers, I have to agree there was certainly plenty of variety on this week’s show. Most of it not for me though, I have to say. I’m a fan of Frankie Boyle and while he always has me in stitches, I’m looking constantly for a decent comic to appear on BGT. A forlorn hope this year do you think?
May 11, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Laura says
“Spending money to vote”??? You mean like people got to spend money to vote for BGT??? You are kidding me right? Nothing more than the utility bill from your telephone company I’m sure. If these talent shows are charging for the votes, that’s just disgusting. You should be able to make enough money from the TV ads.
May 11, 2009 at 3:10 pm
night bird in Japan says
Mr. Morgan,
Susan Boyle doesn’t need Balenciaga heels to be beautiful. She is innately beautiful inside and out and her magical voice touches our souls.
I hope you know it, and please don’t break her heart.
May 11, 2009 at 4:42 pm
mary says
Hi Piers, I am looking forward to Susan’s next performance. Make sure she sing a right song as the expectation is so high. Also, looking forward your hot date with Susan. Yes, please don’t break her heart.
May 11, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Bolyemania says
Dear Mr Morgan
Britians Got Talent is about scouting for talent. Thus VOCAL SINGING is not about “LOOKS” if one’s voice is not as “beaufiful” as Susan Boyle’s. Yes, I agreed with nightbird in Japan who said “Susan Boyle doesn’t need Balenciaga heels to be beautiful. She is innately beautiful inside and out and her magical voice touches all our souls”. I still beleive and have confidence that she will win the Semi-Final and Final. Be prepared for another “shocks”. She will again “rock” and give another “electric shock” to the audience in the studio, public and ye beautiful judges. We fans just can’t wait to hear her sing again on 23.5.2009 in her SF which is just next week. I dont think her adoring fans will abandon her and NOT COME OUT TO VOTE for her. And change their mind and vote for someone else. Am sure the Scottish fans will come out in full force to jam the line and VOTE for their dear Susan Boyle!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 11, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Mary Jo says
I imagine the odor from Mr. Methane’s performance added a new dimension to the term “multi-media”.
May 11, 2009 at 6:18 pm
paul cavallaro jr says
i do agree with you, but no mention of holly steel. If she sings the right song she could blow everone away!
May 11, 2009 at 6:20 pm
paul cavallaro jr says
i do agree with you, but no mention of holly steel. If she sings the right song she could blow everyone away!
May 11, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Ammie says
Just watched Susan Boyle on Oprah here in NYC. Cried again. I just love that woman. Oprah’s eyes were misty too. Piers, how can we watch BGT in the U.S.?
May 11, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Joan says
I was just enthralled to hear Shaun Smith singing an absolutely perfect rendition of “Ain”t No Sunshine” . I have to agree with you, if anybody can beat Susan Boyle, it will be Shaun. He’s cute, seems very likeable, has real talent, and the girls will go crazy over him. Simon’s eyes were going “kaching, kaching” again. I almost wish Susan hadn’t changed anything about her look. I loved her the way she was.
I didn’t like what Amanda had to say to him though. She laughed at Mr. Methane (disgusting isn’t even the word!) and she found fault with Shaun. Of course he was shy and a little insecure in front of such a big audience. Even Simon is never unkind in the presence of true talent, and I have never seen you be anything but a gentleman.
When are we going to hear about your dinner date with Susan?
May 12, 2009 at 12:29 am
mary says
I too just watched Susan Boyle on Oprah show. Susan was very pleasant. Her anwsers were short and precise like she always does during interviews. I like the way she touched her hair bit while she was answering Oprah’s question. very cute. Love her even more. I really can’t wait to see her next performance. Best luck to Susan.
May 12, 2009 at 12:29 am
Marianne says
Just watched Susan Boyle on Oprah. She was great and very beautiful and very good at interviews. I admire her a lot. Oprah mentioned 100 million hits for Susan on YouTube but I think it is more than that by now. I don’t know when they taped the show. I just wish it had shown more of Susan than Simon. LOL !
May 12, 2009 at 1:54 am
Steve says
Well, have you considered that the reason why you hadn’t pressed the red button was a result of the effects of being gassed. With Greg, honestly, reminded me of a very old recording I heard some time ago, of a Italian “Castrati” Opera singer, very unusual voice. Regarding Shaun, I would ask of you as a Gentleman to offer Amanda your handkerchief the next’s time Shaun sings, she was salivating during his performance.
May 12, 2009 at 2:02 am
Linda says
Hi Piers–not only are the cheeky monkeys digging you so are the girls from Casa Grande, Arizona. We love the show and I save different acts so that we can watch them on Mondays at work. Our top 7 are ….1)Julian Smith 2)Susan Boyle 3)Shaun Smith 4)Shaheen 5)Flawless 6)Jamie Pugh and last but not least 7)Gregg Pritchard. Great season can’t wait for the semi-finals and finals. Wish we could watch here in the US. But for now this will have to do.
Digging you
Linda and the girls from CG, Arizona
May 12, 2009 at 3:11 am
Cathy says
Something I have wondered. if we are in the states and have the phone number to vote, can’t we do that by just adding the country code to the number?
May 12, 2009 at 3:37 am
carmen says
The fans in Britain better get off their butts and vote for Susan. We can’t vote in Canada!! If we could, we would. It is so strange…everyone I know is talking about Susan. She is humble,gracious, very talented and an inspiration. We all think she is just the cutest…If she doesn’t win I will be shocked and disappointed.
May 12, 2009 at 4:15 am
Susan Boyle's fan says
“Nightbird in Japan” and “Boylemania”, I have enjoyed reading your comments. So right both of you. Susan’s fans will not turn away from her, they will be there to support her. It is a pity that I don’t live in U.K, otherwise I will vote for her. Wish I can watch BGT in Canada. Scotland is behind her, not to mention that she has a close knit family. And what about her church, they will vote for her. I am sure she will go all the way to the finals with confidence. I saw her on Oprah today, and she handled herself so well, especially when she was asked about the “makeover”. Did someone mention the 10 year old Hollie Steel? Well Hollie has a nice voice no doubt, she sings with no emotion, whereas Susan Boyle sings with such emotion, as if she is telling us her story. I can’t wait to buy Susan’s CDs, but would I buy Hollie’s? NO!!! Ten years from now when Hollie learns how to sing with emotion, I may buy, but she will have to wait for 10 years to take my money. Susan Boyle all the way!!!!!
May 12, 2009 at 4:49 am
Julie says
I agree with Ammie above, I would be worth the money to Pay Per View on my Dish Network to watch the Semi and Finals of BGT to watch Susan Boyle.
May 12, 2009 at 8:34 am
Marianne says
I have Dish Network also. I would be willing to Pay Per View for the Semi and Finals of BGT. I think us in the States have adopted Susan Boyle. But then again Susan now belongs to the world and rightfully so.
May 12, 2009 at 9:39 am
cimberly says
hello.when its time for the guests to go at the christmas party,mr.methane should be available to perform.the only thing lingering will be his gas.somehow lock simon in the room.it would be so very merry. cimberly and get him on camera.
May 12, 2009 at 1:43 pm
mary says
I am going to check out if I can watch BGT semi and fianle by pay per view. Could someone tell me the semis is one nigh (May23th) or three nights? if it is three nights, which one Susan Boyle will be on?? thanks in advance.
Mary, Toronto, Canada
May 12, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Ramona says
Wow, I’d buy a Shaun Smith album. Especially, if it had that song on it! You don’t have to be young to enjoy that voice! I’m 55. His voice is sultry! Love it. I love Susan Boyle, too. I’ve watched her youtube video over and over. Can there possibly be a tie for first place? Guess not but there can be more than one star come from this competion!
May 12, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Cindy says
After witnessing Susan Boyle’s amazing performance on the internet, and watching it many times over, I have found myself following other BGT contestants as well. Love the show! The chemistry between you, Amanda, and Simon is great. Some of the talent there is incredible. My favorite so far, is still Miss Boyle! I truly hope fans will take the time to vote for her, but you’re right that there is a danger that some fans will not bother to phone in, thinking she has it in the bag, due to her enormous popularity.
P.S. When is the big date with Susan? My best friend Machelle thinks Susan is not only talented, but has excellent taste, since she too finds you very appealing.
May 12, 2009 at 6:38 pm
S. Houseman says
Boyle so we’ve been desperate for someone to take her on. We might have just found a rival in Shaun Smith good luck lad.
May 13, 2009 at 12:44 am
Renee deWolf-Gibbons says
Piers,
You wrote:
>>>As for the real talent, I absolutely loved Greg, the guy with the high-pitched woman’s voice who sang Nessun Dorma.
If this show is, at its heart, about variety, then they don’t come more varied than him. It was one of the most extraordinary, bizarre things I’ve witnessed - a fully grown man crooning like Katherine Jenkins.<<<
Piers…what? Greg does NOT have a “woman’s voice.” He is what is known as a counter tenor. Counter tenors DO exist…he is not pretending nor is he trying to be funny…it’s what he is (and he is FABULOUS, by the way). Counter tenors were all the rage in the 17th century (they were a VERY big deal in England!). Nearly all baroque operas were written for counter tenor leads. Greg would have been a wealth opera star! The counter tenor voice became somewhat popular again for a time at the end of the 20th century.
To say that Greg’s voice is “bizarre” is wrong, and you really should apologize.
All I can say is, let me know if you need another judge.
Renee deWolf-Gibbons
Classically Trained Singer (with a sense of humor - I’d have to have one to be able to survive Mr. Methane)
Voice Teacher
Former Voice Professor
(Moving to England in July…cant’ wait for some decent fish ‘n chips!)
May 13, 2009 at 8:55 pm
nadeem alam says
just thought to leave a comment abt susan boyle. she’s, no wonders, a goddess.
i am from pakistan, i saw your show for the first time on youtube and saw this adorable lady, i was really thrilled to see the performance and response afterwards. god bless her through all the compititions of her life. lots of prayers for her success.
i mus nt forget to mention, one beautiful thing that could hv evr happend to your show is amanda, she’s jus stunning. lots of loves for her :))
nadeem alam, pakistan
May 13, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Ms. Bernie Bosch says
Piers:
I never knew all of this existed on the web before April 7th when I became bed ridden with pneumonia. I have not been an active viewer in “reality TV †nor do I watch much on television other than CNN, BBC news, CBC News, History, Biography and Natural Geographic channels. But… having used the web to follow B’s Got Talent, I now my wish that I did get the live coverage of Britain’s Got Talent.
I am back on the mend, but the result of this time of minimal activity that occurred in April, I have become mesmerized with Britain’s Got Talent!!! As it becomes available on You Tube, I click and watch and then share with friends. Britain’s Got Talent is so far superior to the North American equivalent and I am enjoying it very much. I enjoy your daily blogs and your site is now marked as a favourite site and I start my day with it … I wonder what Piers is saying today… very refreshing always.
Susan Boyle, Stravros Flatly, Shaheen J, Jamie Pugh, Flawless, Julian Smith, Diversity, Andrew Johnston, Sue Son, Gregg Pritchard, Hollie, and Shaun Smith are all exceptional in their own scope of talent.
Being new to the “reality TV viewing crowdâ€, I am not sure who gets to perform before our Queen, but I do know for sure…. All the talent mentioned above should perform. If only the winner is given this opportunity, then I say… Britain bust out and bend the rules; all should be there and I would like to know how to get a ticket for this event. Without a hesitation or doubt, I would board a plan and fly to England as I think this would be a very memorable event and memory in my life.
Ms. Bernie
Toronto, Ontario Canada
May 14, 2009 at 1:27 am
Linda says
Hi, Piers just wanted to say I just recieved Paul Potts CD (One Chance) it is just wonderful I just couldn’t say enough great things about it. Especially one song called Cavatina I’ve never heard it before and can’t get enough of it. Fabulous! This may become my favorite song it ranks up there with Charles Aznavour’s song She. Also wanted to say the more I listen to Gregg Pritchard the more I love him. I know odd but he grows on you. I showed my 19yr. old son him (they dress alike) and he was really amazed. I even caught him listening to classical/opera later that evening!! Must be growing up and opening his mind to other music
How awesome to leave such an impression like that. Thanks!!!
Digging you
Linda in Casa Grande, Az.
May 15, 2009 at 2:37 am
Matt says
I’m not associated with Piers Morgan in any way, but I thought I’d help out and answer the questions about “voting from outside the UK”.
The answer is “No you can’t”. These are not regular numbers, they are like 1-900 numbers which add an additional cost to your phone bill. Obviously to do this outside of the UK they would need to negotiate deals with all of the US/Canada (etc) phone companies in the world.
Renee deWolf-Gibbons - Piers saying that Greg’s voice is “bizarre” seems perfectly reasonable to me - I didn’t read it as insulting in any way so I don’t see any need to apologise. To anyone unfamiliar with counter-tenors it is certainly a jolting experience to hear the first time, and they certainly aren’t “common”. I think Piers was quite clear in his praise.
Some would argue that Greg Pritchard is NOT a “male soprano” as that term usually describes someone singing in a falsetto voice, and Pritchard certainly isn’t. (There is debate over the exact usage of the terms however - see Wikipedia for more details).
FInally anyone who wants to see another male soprano/counter-tenor, cut and paste “Michael Maniaci: Chi perde un momento” into YouTube. Well worth it.
Finally - is it just me or is BGT-2009 turning into the singularly most fascinating talent show of all time?
May 15, 2009 at 4:26 am
moodybluegirl says
When are you going to get on with the dinner with Susan Boyle? I sure hope you really treat her like a princess Piers. If you do, you rock ! * All women love jewelry and she obviously likes necklaces * hint<<
May 15, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Lesley says
I’m glad you didn’t buzz Mr Methane out too, as my son was in hysterics and that started me laughing as well. In fact, my son has insisted on watching it on “catch up” several times since and it still has the same effect. But Mr Methane is disgusting and I’m just glad we didn’t get the full benefit of his act at home. Shaun had a great voice and looked good too, but for me he sounded too much like the original version and there are plenty of good boy bands out there already. Greg Pritchard, however, was amazing, not just his voice but his smile was absolutely 100 watt dazzling too. It’s new talent we need, and Greg’s talent is like nothing I’ve seen or heard before, although I’m not sure it would work on CD - you need to see him sing.
May 15, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Linda from Minnesota USA says
The US would love to watch Britians Got Talent. Why don’t we get it???? We are all obsessed with Susan Boyle. When are the finals?
May 16, 2009 at 1:53 am
mary says
I can’t wait to see Susan’s next performance. Wondering which song she is going to sing? it is very important to sing a right song. I read somewhere Susan may sing ‘Whisle down the wind’, I hope this is not the song she is going to sing. It is very boring song. It is not good enough for the show.
May 16, 2009 at 1:42 pm
helen says
so far it`s been an excellant show this year, my one piece of constructive criticism is in relation to the dance acts. The camara work during these acts almost makes the viewer dizzy, I wish that the camara would focus on dance acts from the front so that us the viewer can watch the routines like those in the real live audience. I am amazed that this format of camara work is done in many programmes not just this show, and it robs the viewer and the act of watching the whole routine properly.
May 16, 2009 at 9:00 pm
sonya from uk says says
i thought this weeks bgt was fantastic. i think simon cowell is brillant.
May 17, 2009 at 12:27 am
Marianne says
All I get is BCC America as I have Dish Network in the US. I wish we could get BGT also.
May 17, 2009 at 10:35 am
micky says
piers ..you are THE voice of reason , its pleasing to know that people like you exist on this planet. you have a caring attitude to people , do not tolerate injustice and you have a wonderful personality.. i love your site and just wanted to thankyou
best wishes
micky
May 17, 2009 at 1:26 pm
`Margaret says
Piers
I am so disgusted with what you said last night in relation to you saying YES to Neil Horan on behalf of every folk dancer in the country.You insulted all dance and all the children all over your country and mine (ireland) who spend hours getting it right, and who know what dancing is really about.
I hope by now you have found out who this crazy man is - an embarrassment to everything Irish!!! Please do the decent thing and do not give him any more publicity as you hopefully know by now - that is what he craves - in dangerous and destructive ways!!
May 17, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Linda says
Hi Piers–you are just great! I was watching Saturdays episodes and the show was great, but when you got on stage with Air-O-Smith that is classic TV. I laughed so hard and when you said I’m joining the band I thought that was great. It’s all about having fun and how fun was that! Piers you Rock! Thanks from one of your biggest fans. Digging you Linda–Casa Grande,Az.
May 18, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Bertha says
Mr. Piers Morgan, I really look forward to watching BGT and reading your blog. It is the best reality show. I love the judges and the audience. The contestants are very entertaining. My favorites are Julian Smith, Greg Pritchard, Shaun Smith and Susan Boyle. May they all be in the semi-finals. I would like to see the saxophonist and the counter tenor in the finals. My sister and I never tire hearing and watching Greg and AGT winner Terry Fator. We think that maybe Pritchard can impersonate other singers too like Fator does.
May 19, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Leita says
Hi Piers & everyone.
Thinking of the talent that has got through this year, it is very hard I agree. But, Susan Boyle has a career mapped out for her. Shaun will get a contract from Simon (did you see his eyes light up at the thought), for sure. The dancers are fantastic and I wish a dvd was put out of Favor, this years male group dancers etc. The kids still have time BUT at his age, GREG, the sopranist, REALLY NEEDS to win both for his self-confidence and financially. He needs vocal and voice coaching to fully develop that wonderful gift otherwise he will drift off down a different path and the world would lose out. Imagine how beautiful his voice would be fully utilised and then he would be a full soprano. He needs the correct training/ mentoring, then his enunciation would improve.
To Renee deWolf-Gibbons - how about contacting him when you arrive?
May 20, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Diane says
Piers: I hope you, Amanda and Simon have done a little research on countertenors and male sopranos since the audition of Greg Pritchard. Seems to me he has everything you say you are looking for. He is gorgeous, poised, condifent and has a unique voice. I’d love to see him in the finals. He can’t beat Susan, but if he makes the finals maybe someone out there who appreciates his unique talent will give him a leg up!
May 20, 2009 at 11:00 pm
patricia says
Felicitaciones piers!!
Me gusta lo que haces. Desde Argentina un cordial saludo. POR FAVOR CONTESTAME. Te queremos.
May 22, 2009 at 12:37 am
Frances says
I still to this day, watch Susan Boyle on YouTube. I know I have listened to her sing over a hundred times. I hope she chooses a song extremely suitable for the next show and I hope I’ll be able to watch it, I am in the US. After taking care of her mother most of her life, Susan deserves the attention she is receiving and she deserves to be spoiled. Good Luck Susan Boyle! I wish I could be there to watch you in person!
May 23, 2009 at 9:49 am
bobibobi says
Hello Piers -
SO, here I sit with a million things to say and am having the “writers block”? P Pullman would tell me there is no such thing, so maybe it is just a brain fart? Mr. Methane strikes again! That performance was very funny… As for Susan, there is no comparison to her in any way, shape or form. She is truly 1 in a trillion. Her essence is pure love and joy… nothing compares to you so to speak. There is a lot of talent on BGT this season however they need the polish and the shine. Susan has that naturally.
I am, right at this time and place, casting my vote for Susan in the semi-finals as well as the finals, being I cannot call in to vote.
Always remember, I love you both more than the sea has salt…
bobi
May 25, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Renee deWolf-Gibbons says
Hi Leita,
Thank you for your comment. I agree with you. Hopefully, he’ll get the support and training he needs. I’d love to hear him and give him a few lessons. We’ll see. GREG PRICHARD, if you’re reading this, I’m going to be in Cheltenham beginning July 9. My sister-in-law also helps run the music festival there; AND I know a fantastic accompanist.
May 30, 2009 at 7:45 pm
eva says
no where on the internet are there any publicised numbers to call - at all - even after they are published on screen - I simply can not remember the number and wanted to vote.
Anyhow, hope the last dance group wins
May 31, 2009 at 4:38 am
Jackie says
I wish Greg Pritchard had been allowed through, Barcelona was not his best performance but to sing both parts must be incredibly hard. On talent alone he should have got a place. I would love to see him again.
May 31, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Alexandra says
The final felt incomplete without Gregg Pritchard. He did something completely different for the audition and for the semi-final. I would have loved to listen to his act for the final. He has so much potential given the right vocal coach. I was terribly annoyed by the gender biased comments especially of Simon, this was no constructive critique at all. How can someone who doesn’t even know what a countertenor is, be allowed as a judge on a talent show. Even Dieter Bohlen on the German talent show would have known that and he has no reputation for being academic.
Greetings from Austria and all the best to Gregg Pritchard
May 31, 2009 at 9:13 pm
jeanne says
hello
i would lke you to know how much i enjoy BGT,
i live in America. i watch the shows here as well
sorry piers i don’t like the Apprentice.
the show this year from bgt was great.
i would love to see susan,julian and shaun in concert
some day.
? what are the chances they would show up in michigan!
thanks for a great show
thank god for u tube.
i enjoy watching british shows
looking forward to a great season next year
although i don’t know how the contestant’s are going to top this year.